At a glance
Great news! Projects in Thailand are available from January 2023.
- Contribute to our important marine conservation work in Thailand while adding great experience to your CV.
- Guided by conservationists you'll carry out underwater surveys, coral propagation and mangrove reforestation initiatives.
- You’ll live with other volunteers in comfortable bungalows based in Ao Nang. During your free time you can explore the stunning beaches, taste delicious Thai cuisine, or take trips to nearby islands.
Is Marine Conservation volunteering in Thailand right for me?
If you like working outdoors, and want to help marine life and the environment, this marine conservation programme is for you.
Thinking about a career in conservation? Then this marine conservation volunteer opportunity will boost your CV, and demonstrate your commitment by getting actively involved in efforts to protect our planet. In addition, you can also pursue a professional Divemaster qualification with us if you're able to stay for the time It takes to qualify. Ultimately, the experience will help set you apart from the crowd in applications and interviews, and help you develop your personal skills.
Everything you do in Thailand is geared towards preserving marine life, and helping it thrive. For example, we plant mangroves to protect coastlines and offset carbon emissions, and we educate local communities about their impact.
You don’t need previous experience to join this project. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, and our staff are there throughout to help and guide you. In addition, all of your dives are supervised by qualified Diver Masters.
This project runs year-round, and you can join from a minimum of one week. However, it is recommended to stay longer, as you’ll get to see and do much more.
What Marine Conservation work will I do in Thailand?
As a volunteer, you’ll support the work of local conservationists and actively protect marine life. You’ll also take part in educational campaigns. Here are some of the tasks you can expect to do:
Your work will be divided into four main categories:
Learn to dive and take part in survey dives with professional divers
This training takes place in the base camp’s pool. By the end of your first week in Thailand, you’ll obtain your PADI certification (or the next level of training, if you're already qualified to dive). This means you can officially take part in underwater conservation work with the team. In the long run, your volunteer work will contribute to helping protect coral reefs in Thailand.
Beach clean-ups along Ao Nang’s coastline
Litter and trash is harmful to marine life and wildlife in general. With volunteers from around the world, you will walk along Ao Nang’s beaches, collecting and correctly discarding rubbish. Thousands of cigarette butts alone litter Ao Nang’s beaches.
After each beach clean-up, you’ll make notes, and share this data with local officials. This information can then be used for educational purposes, and for long-term conservation plans in the area.
Plant and transplant mangroves as part of reforestation efforts
At least once a week, you will take part in mangrove reforestation work. Get covered in mud for a good cause with significant long-term impact! Mangrove forests help protect Thailand’s coastline from erosion and they offset carbon emissions. They’re also home to a number of plants and animals.
With your own two hands, you will help dig up young mangrove plants to transplant them to areas where they spread their roots. You’ll also plant saplings.
Raise awareness in the local community
Tap into your inner teacher and get creative when prepping lessons or talks about the importance of protecting our oceans. You will go to different schools and present specific topics on the need for more aware communities. Present a fun puppet show on the importance of recycling, or an easy song on the ABCs of marine life!
You will also work in the local community, if asked. This work could include beach clean-ups, or talks on the work you’ve been doing.
Who are our project partners?
We use the PADI dive courses as our basic dive training programme. You will study and train during your first few days in Thailand.
Within a week of your arrival in Thailand, you’ll be ready to dive and assist the team with valuable underwater research work. This period of training forms an important part of your conservation work.
We are committed to preserving and restoring the marine and coastal environment. We do this through numerous activities in collaboration with multiple local and international partners. These include:
- Project AWARE
- Ocean Conservancy
- Mangrove Action Project
- The Phi Phi National Park
- The Department of National Parks
- Kasetsart University
Our partnerships with local and international groups shows our commitment to the conservation of marine life in and around Thailand.
Where in Thailand will I be working?
Ao Nang
You will be based in Klong Heang, Krabi province, a short distance from Ao Nang beach, and and a short drive from Krabi town. The nearest beach is about a 15-20 minute walk from the base camp.
You will live in bungalows, shared by a maximum of four volunteers at a time. The bungalows are equipped with electricity, air conditioning, and hot showers. Shared bungalows are same sex only.
You’ll dive in the Andaman Sea, and also participate in activities along Ao Nang’s beach coastline. Education campaigns will be in local schools nearby.
When not working, you can relax by the pool at the base camp, or go into Krabi Town to shop, visit a restaurant, or explore.
A typical day as a Marine Conservation volunteer in Thailand
A typical day in Thailand on the Conservation Project begins around 7am and ends at 4pm. Your day is packed with activities that benefit the local environment, and the community. You’ll have breakfast with the other volunteers and staff at base camp. Then, you’ll head out with Projects Abroad organised transport to your daily work.
You will follow a schedule each week in Thailand. You will take part in mangrove restoration work or beach clean ups once a week. Diving activities and surveys take place three times a week.
We also set aside time on some afternoons to have workshops, or give you time to study for underwater surveys or dive courses. You’ll also be expected to help with outreach work and marine conservation education programmes in schools.
As a coastal conservation volunteer in Thailand, you might also visit the local aquarium to learn about the history of diving, or help clean sea turtle tanks in marine biology centres. Schedules may change according to the time of year, the weather, or the sea tides.
Lunch and dinner are served at the base camp. If you’re out on the boat for diving, you’ll have lunch there.
Free time is yours to enjoy and explore. Ao Nang and the surrounding area has numerous activities for you to do! Rock climb, go kayaking, or relax by the base camp pool.
What are the aims and impact of this Conservation Project?
The aim of this project to help threatened marine life in the Krabi area. Each year, volunteers pour their hard work and energy into valuable conservation efforts in the town, along the beach, and also when diving.
We started our Diving and Marine Conservation Project in Thailand in 2005 in response to threatened marine life populations. We are committed to preserving and restoring the marine and coastal environment
through numerous activities. To do this, we work in collaboration with multiple local and international partners.
You will work with our passionate local conservation team and volunteers from around the world. The data we collect during dives is shared with local authorities in the hope of using the information to make positive change.
Regular beach clean-ups and community outreach work also take place. The aim is to continuously educate locals on the importance of the marine environment as well as protecting their natural resources. You’ll also take part in mangrove reforestation, which contributes to long-term marine life conservation goals in the area.
By doing ocean conservation work abroad in Thailand, you can help support and protect our oceans. Become a marine conservation volunteer today to help make this happen!
Management plans
We set out the aims and objectives of our projects in documents called Management Plans. We use them to properly plan the work you’ll do. They also help us measure and evaluate our achievements and impact each year.
Ultimately, our Management Plans help us make our projects better. This in turn means you get to be part of something that makes a real impact where it’s needed. Read more about our Management Plans.
Measuring our impact
Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.
Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.
Food and accommodation
You’ll share accommodation with other Projects Abroad volunteers and interns during your stay at Koh Tao. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers and interns, share experiences, and explore your surroundings in your free time together.
The accommodation is safe, clean and comfortable. Your programme fees include three meals a day.
You’ll have an ensuite hotel room with air conditioning and hot showers. There are swimming pools and a beachside restaurant to relax at in your spare time.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Leisure activities and free time
Experience the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of Southeast Asia. Thailand is an unforgettable country with plenty of enticing things for you to get up to in your free time.
One of the highlights of volunteering in Thailand is the pristine beaches. With stunning snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, it’s a great destination to choose if you’re interested in marine life. For others, there’s always the chance to relax on the beach in the warm glow of the sun.
One must-see while you’re there is the Tiger Cave Temple. With its rich history and ornate statues, it’s an experience not to miss. Be prepared for a steep walk up 1,237 steps! But once you get to the top, the views make it all worth it.
Exploring the Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, with its mysterious caves and sparkling waterfalls, is the perfect way to spend a Saturday or Sunday.
We run many different projects in Thailand, so there will likely be other volunteers relishing in this experience with you. You can choose to travel alone or with other volunteers.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
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